Heavy Casualties Reported Among North Korean Troops in Ukraine
A South Korean lawmaker has revealed alarming new details about teh significant losses suffered by north Korean troops fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. According to Lee Seung-kwon, a Member of the House of Representatives, at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed since December.This revelation paints a grim picture of Pyongyang’s involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Lee cited South Korean intelligence and the National Intelligence Agency (NIS) as sources for his claims. He stated, “In December, they were involved in a real battle. There may be at least 100 soldiers killed.” The NIS also estimates that nearly 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been wounded in the fighting.
The casualties, according to Lee, resulted from a combination of factors. He added that “several North Korean soldiers died. It was attacked by Ukrainian missiles and drones. And it came from a training accident. And the highest-ranking soldier, at least the general level, also died.” This suggests a range of challenges faced by the North Korean troops,from direct combat to operational mishaps.
The deployment of North Korean troops, specifically the elite Special Forces Storm Corps, or “storm brigade,” was intended to bolster Russia’s military capabilities.Reports suggest that Pyongyang sent approximately 10,000 troops, some of whom were deployed to the Kursk region, an area previously retaken by Ukrainian forces. The NIS speculates that russia may be offering incentives for this military support, possibly including assistance in modernizing North Korea’s weaponry.
the high casualty rate among North Korean soldiers may be attributed to several factors. Their unfamiliarity wiht the battlefield,their deployment as frontline strike units,and a lack of experience countering drone attacks are all likely contributing elements. Indeed, Lee revealed that there are reports within the Russian military expressing concerns that the North Korean forces are proving to be more of a liability than an asset due to their limited drone warfare capabilities.
These reports corroborate earlier statements from Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence service, which reported at least 30 north Korean soldiers killed or injured in fighting around Kursk during a single weekend in mid-December. The U.S. department of Defense also confirmed the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict and acknowledged casualties,with Major General Pat Ryder stating on December 16th that the U.S. believes North Korean soldiers were involved in the fighting in Kursk alongside Russian forces and that there were casualties.
The unfolding situation underscores the escalating nature of the conflict in Ukraine and the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The involvement of North Korean troops raises significant concerns for the international community and highlights the far-reaching consequences of the war.
